How to Plan a Summer Vacation to a Ski Area for Hiking and Mountain Biking

Hiking and mountain biking are both great ways to work out. However, even more than that they’re wonderful ways to get up close to the beauty of the mountains that are covered in snow for much of the year. While they’re not as busy as during the rest of the year, ski resorts do operate during the off-seasons, so you can grab your bike or your hiking boots and enjoy a vacation among the beauty of some of the more popular ski resorts, without having to cope with the crowds of people that winter-time brings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and paper
• Telephone
• Computer with Internet access for online research

1. Decide on a budget for your vacation.
2. Locate the Ski Town Web site (linked in the Resources section of this article). This Web site has a nationwide list of ski areas organized by state.
3. Browse the list at Ski Town to find ski areas you’d like to visit. Depending on your budget, you may be able to visit one or several different places in the same area.
4. Search online for accommodations—this is the best way of finding accommodation that meets all your criteria for price, amenities and location. You can book online in most cases too.
5. Use an online tool such as MapQuest or the Rand McNally road trip planner to map your route to the places you’ll be visiting. Links are included in the resources section.
6. Pack! Remember to bring sunscreen and appropriate clothing for all types of weather.

Tips & Warnings

• The Ski Town Web site covers both the United States and Canada.
• If you’re going on a road trip, consider camping along the way to reduce your expenses.
• Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and water for each day that you venture out into the mountains.
• Pack a first aid kid that you can carry easily without adding too much weight for any accidents that might happen while you’re hiking or biking through mountain trails.
• Remember to always tell someone what your planned route will be, and what time you expect to return.